Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'spoke'

English Word: spoke

Key Russian Translations:

• спица [ˈspʲi.t͡sə] - [Feminine noun, used in technical or everyday contexts, e.g., describing parts of a wheel]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions about machinery, bicycles, or engineering, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires basic understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to tools and mechanics)

Pronunciation (Russian):

спица: [ˈspʲi.t͡sə]

Note on спица: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'щ' sound (as in [t͡sə]) can be challenging for English speakers, as it's a voiceless alveolar fricative; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A rod or bar radiating from the center of a wheel to its rim, often found in bicycles, carts, or wheels.

Translation(s) & Context:

• спица - Used in mechanical or descriptive contexts, such as discussing vehicle parts or engineering designs. This is the standard term in both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Велосипедная спица сломалась во время поездки.

  The bicycle spoke broke during the ride. (This example shows the noun in a nominative case, describing a mechanical failure in a real-world scenario.)

• Механик заменил сломанную спицу в колесе.

  The mechanic replaced the broken spoke in the wheel. (Here, the noun is used in an accusative case, illustrating a repair context with direct object usage.)

• Спицы колеса должны быть крепкими, чтобы выдерживать нагрузку.

  The spokes of the wheel must be strong to withstand the load. (This demonstrates the noun in a genitive plural form, emphasizing durability in a descriptive sentence.)

• В старом деревянном колесе спицы были сделаны из металла.

  In the old wooden wheel, the spokes were made of metal. (This example highlights historical or comparative usage, with the noun in a nominative plural form.)

• Каждую спицу нужно проверить перед сборкой велосипеда.

  Each spoke needs to be checked before assembling the bicycle. (Shows the noun in an accusative singular form, in an instructional context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Спица" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for feminine nouns ending in -a, with regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a declension table for clarity:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: спица колеса (wheel spoke, more specific phrase); rarely, "радиус" in metaphorical or engineering contexts, but it's not an exact synonym as it implies a radius line.
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as "спица" is a specific mechanical term without a clear opposite. In broader contexts, terms like "обода" (rim) could contrast as a related part.

Related Phrases:

• Велосипедная спица - Bicycle spoke; used when specifying types of wheels in casual or technical discussions.
• Сломанная спица - Broken spoke; common in repair contexts, emphasizing damage.
• Металлическая спица - Metal spoke; highlights material in manufacturing or historical descriptions.

Usage Notes:

The Russian word "спица" directly corresponds to the English "spoke" in the context of wheels, making it a precise translation for technical vocabulary. It is gender-specific (feminine), so ensure correct adjective agreement (e.g., "длинная спица" for "long spoke"). Use it in formal engineering texts or informal conversations about bikes, but avoid it in abstract or poetic language where metaphors might differ. When multiple translations exist, choose "спица" for mechanical contexts; for verbal "spoke" (as in speaking), use unrelated terms like "сказал". Pay attention to declensions to fit sentence structure correctly.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел спица" instead of "Я видел спицу" (accusative). Correct: Always decline based on the sentence role; explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so "спицу" is needed as the direct object.
• Mistake: Confusing with similar words like "спичка" (matchstick); learners might mix them due to phonetic similarity. Correct: Use "спица" only for wheel parts; explanation: Context clarifies, but double-check spelling and pronunciation.
• Mistake: Forgetting plural forms, e.g., saying "спица" when meaning multiple. Correct: Use "спицы" for plural; explanation: This affects sentence meaning and can lead to misunderstandings in descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "спица" are often associated with everyday practicality, such as in bicycle culture or historical references to wooden carts in rural life. While not deeply symbolic, it reflects Russia's emphasis on durable, functional engineering, especially in contexts like Soviet-era manufacturing where reliability was key.

Related Concepts:

• колесо (wheel)
• обода (rim)
• велосипед (bicycle)
• механизм (mechanism)